Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What can I do to prepare myself in a campus building (office, residence hall, etc.)?A: Having access to information is the best way to be prepared, so be sure to check the Emergency website and the Emergency Planning website. Everyone is also encouraged to keep certain key items on hand, such as bottled water and a flashlight, and maintain an emergency preparedness kit. For office managers, it is also important to keep up-to-date employee contact lists available. Refer to your Department Emergency or this website for suggested items. Other available resources on how to build a preparedness kit can be found at Ready America or American Red Cross.

Q: What if the power goes out when I am on campus?A: Follow the directions given to you by your residence hall staff, a Fresno State Police officer, or other University personnel. It is always a good idea to keep a flashlight or chemical light stick (glow stick) handy in the event that the lights go out. Please do NOT use candles. Above all, stay calm and sit tight. You may call the Emergency Hotline at 559.278.4000 for more information.

Q: What phone number should I call if I need emergency help?A: If you are on campus call the Fresno State Police Department at 559.278.8400 from a cell phone or 911 from a campus phone. If you are not on campus and need emergency help, call 911.

Q: If the Fresno/Clovis metro area is affected by a large-scale incident, is there a city-wide emergency evacuation plan in place?A: Routes for evacuation have been identified, but for most incidents, we believe the Fresno State community is safer to remain where they are unless they are in immediate danger (e.g. fire). In the extremely unusual event that the city would be evacuated, local authorities would be responsible for sharing this information. It is very important to stay calm and stay informed via Campus Emergency Notification or 1040 AM radio.

Q: How can I volunteer to help in the aftermath of an incident?A: Fresno State Police Department and Risk Management & Sustainability do not currently have volunteer opportunities. You may also volunteer with the community organizations, such as the Fresno-Madera Chapter of American Red Cross, Fresno Citizen Corps, and Clovis CERT.

In the wake of a major incident, Campus Advisories would carry information about how to register to help.

Q: What does Stay Indoors mean?A: Stay Indoors may be better thought of as “Stay-in-Place,” as this is often the safest course of action during an incident. If something happens, you will most likely be told to Stay Indoors, or in other words, to take shelter wherever you happen to be unless your building is affected. If you are outside, you should go to the nearest indoor location. This keeps you out of the elements, usually with resources such as water and electricity near by, and away from any outdoor threats. While sheltering in place, you should tune in your radio to 1040AM or check Campus webpages and look out for notifications as you are able.

Q: What is an “incident”?A: An incident is anything that may disrupt what is “normal.” At Fresno State, this means a fire in a University building, a severe winter storm, a report of a suspicious package, or a event that affects the entire city.

Q: How can parents stay informed?A: Parents can check the Fresno State Home Page and/or Fresno State News on the web for any advisories that may affect campus life. If they live in the immediate area they can also tune to 1040AM.

Q: How do I know if classes are cancelled or delayed because of an incident?A: The Fresno State homepage will post a note in the Emergency Banner section in the event that an incident affects classes.

Q: If I notice another student acting in an unusual or threatening manner, what do I do?A: Contact the Fresno State Police Department at 559.278.8400 or 911 if you feel there is an immediate risk to your own or someone else’s safety.

Q: Do I really have to leave the building when the fire alarm goes off?A: Yes. Fire alarms should never be ignored.

Q: How does the University respond to an incident?A: The University has comprehensive plans which are continuously updated, personnel are trained, and routine exercises (emergency drills/scenarios) are held with campus first responders, University leaders and departments. Both Fresno State Police Department and Department of Risk Management & Sustainability work to foster and sustain partnerships with local, federal, and regional authorities, private and non-profit organizations, business and government neighbors, and counterparts throughout the CSU system.